Posted by admin on Tuesday Apr 5, 2011 Under kids activities
Are you planning a Birthday Party for your son or daughter and can’t decide what to do? Should you have a party at home or at some unique location? Well, maybe these ideas can help you decide! Birthday Party Ideas provides a place where everyone can come and share ideas for children’s birthday parties in a very simple and organized format.
Kids party ideas at home
1. Have a Unique Theme
Having a unique party theme for the kids party, especially for the birthday party is a cool idea. You can have an animal theme in which the premises where the celebrations are to happen is decorated with pictures of well known as well as the relatively unknown and unique animals. Pirate party themes are becoming more and more popular these days mostly due to the fun quotient involved in them.The pirate party ideas for kids can be extremely successful and memorable if you can take some good steps and efforts in this regard Children can draw the animals themselves or stock their pictures by buying them ready made from the market. The walls can be decorated by appropriate coloring. Party themes such as birds and nature can also be the best ones for kids parties. Summer party themes for kids can make the party very fun filled and entertaining. If you are arranging for a girls party, then party themes for girls will guide you well.
2. Send the Invitations Before Hand
One of the most important kids birthday party ideas is to prepare beautiful invitation cards and dispatch them well in advance for all your guests to reach your celebration spot in time. Handmade party invitation cards with impressive and friendly party invitation wordings can help you bond well with your near and dear ones and make your party a hit. If you are organizing the famous Halloween party then the Halloween invitation wording ideas will help you a lot. If you are planning to throw a slumber party, then slumber party invitations will give you a good idea.
3. Baby Einstein Birthday Party
The Baby Einstein party is so popular that we have dedicated this entire section to Baby Einstein birthday party ideas.
Read through the Baby Einstein party ideas and incorporate the best birthday party ideas into your party. Create your own party plan and remember to include invitations, decorations, games, activities, party food, beverages, party cake, party snacks, gift bag favors, costumes and gifts.
4. Back to School Party
The Back to School party is so popular that we have dedicated this entire section to Back to School birthday party ideas.
Read through the Back to School party ideas and incorporate the best birthday party ideas into your party. Create your own party plan and remember to include invitations, decorations, games, activities, party food, beverages, party cake, party snacks, gift bag favors, costumes and gifts.
Posted by admin on Tuesday Apr 5, 2011 Under kids activities
Children love having a week off school and half term holidays are always a great excitement. For parents, the idea of having hyper children around the house all week might not be quite so enthralling, but with a bit of planning and preparation, you should be able to come up with enough ideas to keep them happy and amused all week. If you’re stuck for inspiration, here are some ideas to get you going!
Fun for kids in half term
A Night Less Ordinary
This great Arts Council initiative is sadly coming to an end soon, but you can take advantage over the half-term period. It allows anyone under 26 to get free theatre tickets to a whole selection of shows across the country. So you can get your kids into theatre without spending a fortune. Simply enter your postcode to find out which theatres in your area are taking part in the scheme.
Fun in the kitchen
Another good one if the weather isn’t being kind – kids love to make a mess, but this way they can do it constuctively. Check out the comprehensive choice of kids recipes on the Tesco website to find something that takes their fancy.
Family meals
Want go out for a fun family meal? Tuesdays are the day if Giraffe is up your street. The family-oriented restaurant is offering £5 burgers after 5pm every Tuesday. There’s a good selection to choose from and all come with fries – food to keep kids and adults happy!
Play Slap Stick Review
At this time of the year, students have plenty of energy. Introduce a fast-paced review game that is sure to have everyone hanging on every word. Begin by writing short, one-word answers all over the whiteboard for around 20 questions. These can be focused on one subject in particular or cover a broad range of concepts from the first half of the year. Split the class into two teams. Each team receives a flyswatter. Call up one person from each team at a time to face each other. After you read the question, the first child to slap the answer receives a point. The winning team could receive a small reward at the end of the game.
Posted by admin on Tuesday Apr 5, 2011 Under kids activities
The celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd began in the United States in 1970 and was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson, who had long pondered about finding a way to “put the environment into the political ‘limelight’ once and for all” (his words).
In addition to traditional teaching methods, online activities educate children about the importance of caring for the Earth through recycling, conserving water, energy and cleaning up the environment they live in.
Earth day activities for kids online
Traditional Games with an Environmental Lesson
“Earth Day Games” by DLTK-Kids provides well-known games with an Earth Day message. Online games such as Concentration (matching), Hangman, Tic-Tac-Toe and puzzles have themes of recycling, alternative energy sources, water conservation and caring for endangered species. DLTK-Kids also offers many printable games, crafts and activities centered on caring for the environment.
Word Games for Earth Day
In “Earth Day,” Squigly’s Games focuses mainly on word games that children will enjoy playing while learning some basics of caring for the Earth. Word searches and scrambles are available on the topics of recycling, rain forests, habitats, trees, Earth Day founders and energy sources. Students take online quizzes to see how much they know about garbage, composting, decomposing and water conservation.
Earth Day Stories and Games Primary Games offers some similar games with an environmental message, including Tic-Tac-Toe and word searches, but it also has online stories such as “Plan It Earth” and “Landfill Bill” that children can listen to and watch to learn about caring for the Earth. Two unusual games offered at this site are “Eco-Friendly House Decorator,” where students learn about making their living environment more green, and “MiniMonos.” “MiniMonos” is an online virtual world where children learn about environmental choices as they play the part of a monkey on an island.
Cook a special Earth Day meal. Plan a menu that uses locally produced foods, is healthy and has minimal impact on the environment. Favour vegetable and bean products, as these use less resources to grow than mass-farmed meat. If you still would like meat, look for locally produced, organic meat. Try and have organic food completely. Decorate the table with recycled decorations made by you and your friends.
The Internet can be a wonderful resource for kids. They can use it to research school reports, communicate with teachers and other kids, and play interactive games. Kids who are old enough to punch in a few letters on the keyboard can literally access the world.
But that access can also pose hazards. For example, an 8-year-old might do an online search for “Lego.” But with just one missed keystroke, the word “Legs” is entered instead, and the child may be directed to a slew of websites with a focus on legs — some of which may contain pornographic material.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of what your kids see and hear on the Internet, who they meet, and what they share about themselves online.
Just like any safety issue, it’s wise to talk with your kids about your concerns, take advantage of resources to protect them, and keep a close eye on their activities.
Internet Safety Laws
A federal law, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), was created to help protect kids online. It’s designed to keep anyone from obtaining a child’s personal information without a parent knowing about it and agreeing to it first.
COPPA requires websites to explain their privacy policies on the site and get parental consent before collecting or using a child’s personal information, such as a name, address, phone number, or Social Security number. The law also prohibits a site from requiring a child to provide more personal information than necessary to play a game or participate in a contest.
But even with this law, your kids’ best online protection is you. By talking to them about potential online dangers and monitoring their computer use, you’ll help them surf the Internet safely.
Grooming
The ‘grooming’ of youngsters by paedophiles on the net remains rare, but it’s important to be vigilant. An adult using a social networking site can become anyone he wants to be when he’s online – a 15-year-old girl looking for mates with the same taste in music, for example.
Bullying
Despite its lower profile, internet bullying occurs more frequently than grooming. Threats, harassment and psychological torment via email or in a virtual chatroom can have a devastating effect on a child.
So what can you do?
* Learn as much as possible about what your child does online. Ask him to show you the sites he visits and to tell you who he exchanges messages with. He may not reveal everything but it’s a good start – at least he’ll know you’re interested. Make sure he knows there’s often a minimum age for people subscribed to social networking sites (13 on Bebo and 14 on MySpace, for example).
* Explain to your child that he shouldn’t give out personal information to people he meets on the internet. Stress that although he may think of them as friends, there’s a risk (however small) that they’re not who they say they are. Telling strangers his age, phone number, address – even his gender – could play into their hands. And he should never post a photograph of himself. Look together at the NCH Net Smart rules and agree that your child will stick to them.
* Talk to other parents about the rules they have for their children. Your child may know not to post a picture of himself on a networking site, but that doesn’t stop his friends posting group photos that include him.
* Be aware of how, when and where your child uses the net. This will help you to spot any significant changes – for example, if he spends much longer online than usual, or starts using the internet only away from home. This may well be nothing more than typical adolescent behaviour, but at least you’ll be alert to other possibilities.
* Look out for changes that may signal your child is being bullied or abused. These can include loss of confidence, withdrawal from family life, anxiety or argumentativeness, insomnia or lack of concentration.
* Talk to your child about the type of site he may stumble across either accidentally or if curiosity gets the better of him. You may find it an uncomfortable topic (and he almost certainly will) but experts at NCH say it’s much more sensible to discuss with your child the possibility that he’ll encounter pornographic material on the internet. That way he should feel more able to turn to you if he feels things are getting out of hand – and he’ll be much less vulnerable to abusers urging him to keep secrets.
* Consider installing parental control software on your computer that allows you to block access to certain types of website or to log your child’s internet activity. It can also prevent email traffic from undesirable sources. More information is available from the Internet Content Rating Association.
* Check the history of sites your child has visited, and be explicit that you’ll do this regularly. If the history has been deleted, ask him why.
* Speak to your internet service provider about its policy on chatrooms. Are they moderated (monitored constantly) by fully trained adults to minimise the risk of bullying or abuse? It’s never a good idea to allow children on to unmoderated sites.
Crafts are a fun way for kids to get creative. Find easy art and craft ideasfor kids of all ages. Check out the music crafts, paper crafts, and fun seasonal holiday crafts too.
Teachers and parents appreciate the break in routine art projects provide. Kids can learn more than art by integrating the activities with content matter such as history, geography and culture.
Quick art activities for kids
Pinecone Birdfeeder
Attract winter birds with this natural taste treat for your feathered friends!
1. Cut a long length of the natural twine to hang the bird feeder.
2. Attach the twine to the pinecone by tying it around a few sections down from the top.
3. Make a loop for hanging.
4. Place the pinecone on a piece of paper towel or a paper plate.
5. Using the butter knife or craft stick, spread the peanut butter inside and around the edges of the pinecone.
6. Use plenty of peanut butter and make a big mess!
Sprinkle the birdseed on the pinecone until all of the peanut butter is covered.
7. Now it’s time to hang your feeder outdoors and watch as the birds enjoy their treat.
Spring Craft Idea for Kids-Windsock
Not just for Spring — This easy to make spring craft is perfect for parties as well!
1. Thoroughly wash the ice cream container, then discard the top and cut out the bottom. Glue construction paper around the outside of the container.
2. Cut strips of crepe paper streamers and attach them to one end of the container with a stapler.
3. Use the remaining paper to cut an glue decorations onto your windsock or use markers to color and decorate. 4. Children may find it easier to decorate their paper before attaching it to the ice cream container.
5. Use the hole punch
to make four holes evenly around the top of the windsock.
6. Thread string through the holes and double knot.
7. Tie all four strands together at the top to make the hanger.
Paper Bag Nest
1. Have your child gather a handful of twigs from the yard, then help her break them into small pieces.
2. Next, squash down the sides of a brown paper lunch bag.
3. Pour a small puddle of tacky glue onto a paper plate, then help her dip each twig into the glue and stick it to the bag.
4. Let the glue dry completely before filling the nest.
Science kits for kids are great hands-on fun while at the same time science kits encourage the exploration of scientific ideas, build keen observation skills, and lay a foundation for the scientific literacy. The excitement of watching for signs of life in a Sea Monkey tank, recording what is done and how long it took for the Sea Monkeys to emerge and grow into a thing to be seen without a jeweler’s loupe can occupy a child’s sense of wonder and imagination prompting countless questions.
Top science kits for kids
1. Sea Monkeys
Not quite as involved as the Grow-a-Frog kit, Sea Monkeys do not require diligent care and can be fed once a week when the tank clears after feeding. At home or at the office these little creatures will attract attention. Just what are Sea Monkeys? Sea Monkeys are a type of brine shrimp that grow to 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long. I had my doubts about this kit. My six-year-old bought this kit, filled the tank with water and followed the directions to purify the water before adding the Sea Monkey eggs. We waited. According to the directions, the eggs would hatch in five days, but it the ambient temperature were lower than 75 degrees the time it took for the eggs to hatch could be longer. It took 11 days before we saw a Sea Monkey moving about. The six-year-old was thrilled. The kit comes with enough food to last a couple of Sea Monkeys a year. Unlike the frogs from Grow-a Frog kit, releasing the Sea Monkeys into the wild will not harm the environment or other species.
2. My First Microscope
My First Microscope is a dual functioning microscope that allows kids to view microscopic sized specimens and macroscopic objects. The duo-scope features LED illumination, with dual illumination to view slides with a light shining up and solid objects with a light shining down. My First Microscope comes complete with 50 accessories including all a budding scientist needs to cultivate curiosity and learning. My First Microscope requires 3 AA batteries not included with purchase.
3. The Ant Works Illuminator
The Ant Works Illuminator is a great way to for kids to nature from a bug’s eye view. The Ant Works Illuminator allows kids to study the life cycle of ants in a space age gel habitat and comes with a power adapter, nutrient gel, magnifying glass, zoom lens, ant catching/tunnel starting tool, and instructional booklet. Ants are not included in the kit but completing a simple order form allows delivery of them to your doorstep. The Ant Works Illuminator was developed following a 2003 NASA ants space experiment involving anti-gravity and is one of the most interesting ways for kids to learn the inner workings of the underground insects.
Chapter book Generally, a children’s book that is long enough to be split into chapters, yet not long enough or deep enough to be identified as a novel, is known as a “chapter book.” Chapter books are often illustrated, but not anywhere nearly as much as a picture book. Chapter books tend to be particularly popular with 7-10 year-olds as transitional books between beginning reader books and novels. Chapter books also tend to appeal to reluctant readers of all ages.
The New York Times Best Seller list of Children’s Chapter Books has included books with intended audience age ranges from 6 to 14 and up. This may reflect a straightforward interpretation of “chapter books” as those books directed at children that are long enough to include chapters. However, some publishers such as Scholastic Corporation and Harper Collins include the phrase “chapter book” in series titles aimed specifically at younger readers, including the I Can Read! series and the Magic School Bus series.
Kids books online to read for free chapter books
Finding Chapter Books to Read Online
Where can you find chapter books to read online? There are numerous sites available for kids to enjoy, and many of these are free. Be sure you find books that are age appropriate for your child. Check out the following sites:
1. Eduscapes-This is an awesome site that links to a variety of reading materials, including chapter books, interactive stories, and more. There are designated books for several ages as well.
2. International Children’s Digital Library-The mission of this literacy organization is to create a collection of books that reaches out to every culture and language throughout the world with books online.
3. The Rosetta Project-With probably the largest collection of antique books online, the Rosetta Project is a favorite online resource among parents and educators.
Science is a diverse and potentially difficult subject to comprehend. Games and toys can sometimes make the learning process easier.
You don’t have to go to a store to get science and educational toys. Some of the best science toys are the ones you can make yourself using common household materials.
Science toys for kids to make
Smoke Ring Cannon
You can make a smoke ring cannon that shoots smoke rings in the air or even in water. A smoke ring cannon is a simple science project that uses easy-to-find household materials to illustrate fluid vortex formation in a fun way.
What Is a Smoke Ring Cannon?
This is a tube that you fill with smoke that has a hole at one end. You squeeze the tube and the smoke escapes through the hole as a smoke ring. This works great with smoke bombs, but you can make smoke rings in fluids besides air. Try filling the smoke cannon with colored water (use tub tints, food coloring, or paint), fill a tub or sink with water, and make ’smoke rings’ in the water.
CD Hovercraft Toy
Hovercrafts have been experimental for quite some time. Create a hovercraft with a few supplies from around the house. Simply take a blank CD and glue a spout from a water or juice bottle to the center. Hot glue is most effective but tacky glue will work just as well. Make sure this is an airtight seal and that the spout is closed. Then, without tying it, blow up a large balloon and stretch the end over the spout so that the balloon touches the CD all the way around. While holding the balloon in place, the spout can be opened with the opposite hand. Release the balloon and a small pocket of air will be formed from the air being forced out of the balloon and through the spout. This high pressure of air will cause the CD to be propelled across the floor creating a hovercraft toy.
Colorful Bubbles
A fun way for kids to learn about colors, shapes and the mysteries of science is by creating colored bubbles for playtime. Dissolve one cup of powdered laundry soap into a quart of warm water. Pour bubble mixture into small paper cups. Allow children to add a few drops of food coloring to each cup and stir with a straw. Give each child a straw or a small bubble wand to use to create bubbles. Enjoy playing and be sure to talk about the colors and shapes they make.
Posted by admin on Thursday Mar 31, 2011 Under kids activities
Creating art at home with your kids using arts and crafts activities is a great way to spend quality time with your children, while watching them create and use their imaginations. There are a variety of arts and crafts activities that you can do in your home to make adorable crafts and even décor to put up around the house..
Kids art activities at home
1. Scrapbooking
An interesting activity for arts and crafts for toddlers at home is to make a scrapbook with them. For conducting this activity, parents have to choose some of the best family photographs, especially the ones in which the child is there. Once the photographs, glue, and scrapbook are ready, the parents should teach the child how to put the glue behind the photographs and paste it on the scrapbook. To entertain the child throughout this kids crafts activity, show him each and every photograph before pasting it.
2. Picnicking
One of the ways for teaching toddlers at home about nature, the sun, sand, sea, trees, etc. is to recreate a beach scene in your own garden. So, one day you can plan this adventure wherein you carry things like a suntan lotion, a food basket, beach towels, straw hats with you to the garden. Carry a few pictures of the sea and the beach. Once at the garden, show the toddler the pictures and tell him about the fishes, pebbles, sand, sunset, sunrise and everything else that is associated with the sea. To make such toddler activities at home even more interesting, carry a lot of beach pictures with you. To extend this activity, teach your child how to draw a fish!
3. Homemade Decor
Let kids add their own personal touch to home decor with an art activity that incorporates colors that match decor. For example, you could purchase plain vases, frames, canvases or tiles at a craft store and select colors of acrylic paints that match the decor of a room in your home. Let children paint pieces with the colors you select however they like and you easily have homemade art pieces that will fit in your home beautifully.
4. Art From The Recycling Bin
Instead of recycling objects in your home like milk cartons, old newspapers, coffee cans or plastic bottles, use these for art projects to recycle into pretty pieces. For example, you could turn coffee cans into festive plant holders with some acrylic paint. Make soda cans into pencil holders by cutting off the top, apply masking tape over the sharp rim and painting them. Plastic bottles can be painted to work as pretty vases. Old newspapers can be saved for paper mache projects. Use your imagination to turn everyday recyclables into art with kids.
5. Letter Art for Babies
For babies who are not of the age of creating art for their own rooms, use wooden letters of different sizes to create an interesting piece of art, along with other art elements. This is one of the better ideas for decorating baby room. It looks like a great piece of art, when you have her/his name spelled out in these wooden letters, embellished with other decorative elements. Since these letters are easily available, putting them up on a bright colored wall with interesting designs will just add the right amount of style to the little one’s own haven.
Posted by admin on Thursday Mar 31, 2011 Under kids activities
Every parent loves to take pictures of their kids, but all too often the actual prints are a disappointment. Great pictures of kids capture their personality, their many expressions and their endless curiosity.
